Safer POD® S1 Trial Delivers Groundbreaking Crime Reduction in Darlington

In a UK first, Darlington Police in collaboration with Durham Constabulary have successfully trialled the Safer POD® S1 security solution in three key retail locations over a six-week period.

The significant results highlighted the transformative impact of visible deterrents on retail crime and anti-social behaviour, paving the way for future security initiatives. 

Key results from the trial include: 

• In the six-weeks prior to the trial, 21 incidents of shoplifting took place. With the Safer POD® S1s deployed just 1 unavoidable incident took place across six-weeks - a 95% decrease. 

• In the six-weeks prior to the trial, 18 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour took place. With the Safer POD® S1s deployed, zero (0) took place during the six-week trial. 

• Total police cost savings during the six-week trial were estimated to be £19,900. 

• Retailers reported a significant decrease in shrinkage and improved security. 

• Post-trial, two shoplifting incidents occurred after the Safer POD® S1 device was removed, reinforcing its role as a powerful visual deterrent. 

Neigbourhood Inspector Matt Plumb said: 

"In every community people want to feel safe where they live and work: safe from anti-social behaviour, safe from shoplifting, and safe from personal robbery.

“Over the last year, overall crime has been cut by 6.8%, residential burglary is down by 4.9% and violent crime is down by 13.1% and we will continue to drive these figures down by using all the tools at our disposal.

“Visible targeted patrols are the bedrock of community policing, and effective deterrents in detecting and preventing anti-social behaviour and serious violent crime but we must not stop there and we recognise the need to continue to invest in technology to make it safer where you live.”

Safer Group Chief Executive Ryan Clark stated: 

“The results from this trial are nothing short of remarkable, showcasing our Safer POD® S1’s effectiveness in deterring criminal activity and creating a safer environment for businesses and the community alike.

“The Safer POD® S1 has proven itself to be a powerful tool in combating retail crime, supporting the Durham Constabulary and playing a vital role in fostering safer communities.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, who funded the six-week trial, said: 

"These results are impressive and demonstrate the value in letting potential offenders know they are being watched in areas that suffer disproportionately from crime. As well as deterring offending, the anti-crime pods are hugely reassuring for retailers and shopworkers and can provide them with a renewed sense of confidence as they go about their work.

Much of the crime on our high streets is opportunistic, with criminals adopting an ‘easy pickings’ mentality. It is vital we thwart such behaviour and make our public spaces stronger and more inhospitable to criminals to protect livelihoods, shop staff and our economy."

Following the trial, retailers have actively engaged with the police to explore further security enhancements, reinforcing the need for a dedicated retail crime strategy. The presence of the Safer POD® S1 undoubtedly created an environment where potential offenders reconsidered their actions, reinforcing the importance of visible security measures.  

For more information, interviews, or media requests, please contact: 

Safer Group 
marketing@safer-group.com 
0800 048 8495